Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation

Job Title: Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation

Salary: £42,000–£57,000 depending on skills demonstrated

Contract: Full time & permanent

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer within Controls to act as the controls and automation subject matter expert within Manufacturing Engineering. Supporting major capital and continuous improvement initiatives, you will lead controls integration, modernise legacy systems and deliver automation solutions that improve safety, quality and productivity. Your work will be instrumental in maintaining reliable manufacturing operations while shaping the future controls and operational technology landscape of the facility.

As a Controls Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:

• Identify, develop and implement automation and controls solutions that improve OEE, safety, quality and cost performance, taking projects from concept through to production deployment.

• Design, program and support Siemens and Mitsubishi PLC, HMI and SCADA systems, while driving controls standardisation, modernisation of legacy assets and alignment with operational technology architecture.

• Lead controls lifecycle management activities, including hardware obsolescence planning, migration strategies, cybersecurity considerations, system upgrades and long-term manufacturing supportability.

• Provide technical leadership and escalation support for automated manufacturing production lines, acting as the subject matter expert for controls, automation and machine safety whilst ensuring reliable operation through effective troubleshooting, root cause analysis and support to maintenance and operations teams.

• Lead manufacturing technology and continuous improvement projects, managing scope, budgets, resources, suppliers and timelines, while supporting equipment specification, FAT, SAT, commissioning and successful production handover.

• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, facilities, engineering and external partners to develop robust manufacturing solutions using tools such as process flow mapping, PFMEA and control plans, while promoting Design for Manufacture (DFM), lean principles, standardised workflows and mentoring others in controls and manufacturing best practices.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

What You Can Demonstrate:

Level Working Knowledge

• Engineering – Manufacturing (MFG): Delivers engineering solutions through the specification, integration, commissioning and support of manufacturing equipment and control systems. Applies engineering standards and technical specifications to ensure safe, reliable and sustainable manufacturing operations, including equipment specification, electrical design, commissioning activities and lifecycle upgrades that support long-term manufacturing capability.

• Collaborative Automation: Drives the implementation and optimisation of automation technologies, including PLC-controlled equipment, robotics and automated manufacturing systems. Applies controls engineering expertise to improve safety, quality, productivity and operational performance.

• Manufacturing Processes: Applies manufacturing process control methodologies to introduce, monitor and improve production systems. Utilises process flow mapping, PFMEA, control plans, FAT and SAT to support robust process design, equipment integration and successful production handover.

• Problem Solving: Acts as a technical specialist in the diagnosis and resolution of complex controls and automation issues. Applies expertise in Siemens TIA Portal and Mitsubishi GX Works PLCs, HMI and SCADA systems, industrial networking technologies (Profinet, Ethernet/IP and OPC UA), motion control, drives, machine safety systems including safety PLCs, safety scanners and light guarding, machinery risk assessment and functional safety standards (ISO 13849 and IEC 62061) to deliver safe, reliable and supportable manufacturing solutions.

What You May Have:

• Manufacturing & Automation Systems: Working knowledge of assembly, test and finish manufacturing operations, including AGV/AMR technologies, installation, commissioning, maintenance and fleet management. Familiarity with ISA-95 manufacturing architectures would be advantageous.

• Quality & Continuous Improvement: Applies structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies, including 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone and Six Sigma, to improve quality, reliability and operational performance.

• Technical & Professional Capability: Knowledge of functional safety principles and their application to machinery, automation and manufacturing systems within a production environment.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

Just a quick heads-up: We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so if you’re interested, don’t wait too long! We may close the advert early if we feel we’ve got a strong pool of potentially suitable applicants.

Don’t miss out, get your application in soon!

What You Will Get
One Company, Limitless Opportunities

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.

Benefits: 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday, 10% Bonus, contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%, contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution, Employee Support Networks – join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community, optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc

Travel: Up to 5% UK travel may be required, including visits to other facilities as needed.